Poll of the month: Should toughman contests be banned?

Should toughman contests be banned in Arkansas?

Yes, these events are dangerous and senseless. Sanctioned fighting events where amateurs in the public are encouraged to participate should be prohibited. No, this would simply be a kneejerk reaction and more "nanny state" legislation. The government should keep its nose out of places where the contestants are willing to participate. No, I agree with the second choice listed above. Further, the promoters of these events should be immune from any liability and lawsuits. view results comments

This past weekend, the annual Toughman Contest was held in Texarkana here on the Arkansas-side at the Four States Fairgrounds. One of the participants, 23 year-old Brandon Twitchell, is on life support, has experienced no brain activity, and is not expected to regain consciousness. Here's a link to today's front page article in the Texarkana Gazette. According to the article, Twitchell fought three times the first night (Friday) and returned Saturday to continue winning. “All that punishment to the body in such a short time is more than a body can take,” his father said.

Toughman contestants box for three 1-minute rounds with a minute between each round. They also wear USA Boxing approved head gear and 16-ounce gloves, groin protection and mouthpieces, according to guidelines set out by the Toughman Contest. The referees are trained by the American Association of Boxing Commission. Toughman contests have been banned in several states, including neighboring Texas and Missouri.

I've heard from one constituent this morning seeking a statewide ban of amateur fights such as this. Here's an excerpt of his e-mail:

Many times elected officials have to intervene to protect the safety of those who may not realize, and may not understand the sometimes fatal consequences of their uninformed actions, and I do believe that these amatuers are not being told the potential dangers they face.

This family is going to suffer a terrible loss that I am convinced could have been prevented. You can sign all of the waivers in the world, but this young man was convinced that this was a manly thing to do and now he is dead, and a family is grieving. The promoters meanwhile leave town with their profits...I wonder if its not time to ban such sports in Arkansas.

What do you think? Update: Twitchell died around 11:00 a.m. this morning.

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